Israel apologizes over announcing the visit of the Pope

Israeli Minister Haim Ramon on Monday expressed apology over Israel's declaration on Sunday, in violation of diplomatic norms, of the visit of the Pope John Paul II to the holy lands on March 21 - 26.

In a statement to the Israeli radio Ramon said, "We apologize for announcing the visit before we await the declaration of such a visit from the Vatican." He added that investigations will be made to learn who permitted the release of an official statement by the Israeli Cabinet in this regard.

Israeli Radio said the Pope will stay during his visit at the Vatican's premises, situated on the Olive Mount (Jabal al-Zeitoun) in occupied Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, the Vatican has expressed its regret toward the leak of information by Israeli officials concerning the visit to be held by the Pope to the holy sites.

Israeli Army Radio said on Monday that well-informed sources at the Vatican said that the Vatican has protested to the Israeli government because the Israeli government officially announced the visit of the Pope, a matter which is considered as a violation of protocol and "literatures" of relations among countries.

Earlier, Ramon said that a delegation representing the Vatican arrived in Israel and held talks over the forthcoming visit of the Pope.

Israeli sides leaked news of the visits, a thing which might lead to a deterioration of relations between the Vatican and Israel.